Post by Admin on Apr 22, 2015 16:46:29 GMT
Proposed BeeKeeping Ordinance Dropped
The proposed ordinance limiting beekeeping activities in Queen Anne's County will be pulled at the next commissioners’ meeting. County Commissioner Mark Anderson introduced the ordinance; however, after being contacted by many members of the beekeeping and agricultural community he found very reasonable arguments against the proposed ordinance. Ordinance 15-06 would have banned the practice of beekeeping within 1000’ of a dwelling or residentially occupied structure on adjacent property. Anderson said, "My colleagues and I received a number of queries regarding the proposed ordinance. Most of the contacts regarding the beehive safety proposal I received indicated a better understanding of bee behavior was needed before moving forward." He said, "There is an opportunity to dialogue with experienced and knowledgeable beekeepers to accomplish two goals. First, to amplify the importance of bees and the pollination in production of vegetables and fruits in the human and animal food chain. Secondly, to obtain expert input on appropriate safety measures for hive locations in residential neighborhoods. A meeting is tentatively set April 22, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the County Commissioner Meeting Room. Anderson will meet with local beekeepers to share additional and relevant information about beekeeping, particularly as it relates to human safety.
The proposed ordinance limiting beekeeping activities in Queen Anne's County will be pulled at the next commissioners’ meeting. County Commissioner Mark Anderson introduced the ordinance; however, after being contacted by many members of the beekeeping and agricultural community he found very reasonable arguments against the proposed ordinance. Ordinance 15-06 would have banned the practice of beekeeping within 1000’ of a dwelling or residentially occupied structure on adjacent property. Anderson said, "My colleagues and I received a number of queries regarding the proposed ordinance. Most of the contacts regarding the beehive safety proposal I received indicated a better understanding of bee behavior was needed before moving forward." He said, "There is an opportunity to dialogue with experienced and knowledgeable beekeepers to accomplish two goals. First, to amplify the importance of bees and the pollination in production of vegetables and fruits in the human and animal food chain. Secondly, to obtain expert input on appropriate safety measures for hive locations in residential neighborhoods. A meeting is tentatively set April 22, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the County Commissioner Meeting Room. Anderson will meet with local beekeepers to share additional and relevant information about beekeeping, particularly as it relates to human safety.